Why did Aldon Smith and Shawna McKnight Split in April 2018?

Former San Francisco 49ers star Aldon Smith passed away suddenly at age 36 on June 13, 2026. Following the news of his death, attention has turned to his personal life, specifically his former relationship with Shawna McKnight, a model and personal trainer to whom he was once engaged.

Here is a timeline of their short but tumultuous relationship and how it ended.

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How Aldon Smith and Shawna McKnight’s Engagement Unraveled

October 2017 – Relationship Begins

The couple reportedly began dating in October 2017. Just four months later, the relationship had progressed quickly.

February 14, 2018 – The Engagement

On Valentine’s Day 2018, Smith proposed to McKnight during a dinner at the upscale Restaurant Gary Danko in San Francisco. The proposal occurred at the table next to NFL legend Joe Montana. At the time, McKnight told TMZ Sports that they had quickly fallen in love.

March 2018 – Domestic Violence Incident

Less than a month after the engagement, their relationship collapsed. On March 3, 2018, police were called to a residence on Bush Street in San Francisco.

• The Allegations: According to dispatch records, Smith allegedly bit McKnight on the wrist and threw her across the room before fleeing through a window.
• The Aftermath: Smith turned himself in a few days later. Shortly after, the Oakland Raiders (his team at the time) released him from his contract.

April 2018 – The Split and Final Arrest

The couple officially parted ways in April 2018.

• The Statement: McKnight publicly confirmed the split in a statement to TMZ Sports, saying: “Unfortunately through these circumstances Aldon and I are no longer together. Although it’s with a heavy heart I truly wish him the best and pray he gets the help he needs. I will always have love for him, but at this point I’m simply the victim in this ongoing case.”
• The Arrest: Smith was arrested again on April 6, 2018, for allegedly violating terms of his electronic monitoring while out on bail.

Smith ultimately pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 90 days in jail, three years of probation, and 52 weeks of domestic violence counseling. He never married and had no other publicized serious relationships before his passing.

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